It’s a problem area for lots of golfers—this U.S. Olympian’s swing feel can fix it

Enhancing Your Golf Swing with Collin Morikawa’s Expert Tip: Combatting the Fake Backswing Turn

Collin Morikawa, the talented U.S. Olympian and one of the standout golfers representing Team USA at the upcoming event at Le Golf National, has recently been experiencing a significant upswing in his performance. Known for his precision and skill on the golf course, Morikawa is a prime example of excellence in the sport. At a Golf Digest cover shoot held late last year, he shared valuable insights into improving ball striking, offering tips that could benefit golfers of all levels.

 

Among the many tips Morikawa provided, one in particular stands out for its potential to address a common issue faced by amateur golfers. This issue involves what is often referred to as the “fake backswing turn,” a problem that can hinder a golfer’s performance by affecting power and accuracy. Understanding and correcting this flaw can lead to a more efficient and powerful swing, which is essential for achieving better results on the course.

 

Understanding the Problem: Fake Backswing Turn

A prevalent challenge among amateur golfers is the tendency to cheat their backswing turn. This typically happens when golfers rely too heavily on lifting their arms to reach the top of the backswing rather than rotating their body effectively. This approach compromises their power and can lead to several other problems, such as an overly steep swing path or reduced control over the clubface.

 

When golfers attempt to compensate for a lack of body rotation by using their arms excessively, it often results in a loss of balance and fluidity in their swing. Additionally, this technique can lead to poor shot mechanics, making it difficult to achieve consistent and accurate ball striking.

 

### The Solution: Morikawa’s Backswing Feel

 

Collin Morikawa’s approach to correcting this issue involves a specific feel that focuses on improving the mechanics of the backswing. According to Morikawa, one of the most effective ways to address the fake backswing turn is to concentrate on the movement of the sternum—the central part of the chest.

 

**Key Feel: Stretch Sternum Towards the Sky**

 

Morikawa emphasizes that golfers should aim to move their sternum upward towards the sky during the backswing. This feeling helps to initiate the backswing with the larger muscles of the chest rather than relying solely on the arms. By doing so, golfers can achieve a more natural and effective turn, leading to improved power and stability in their swing.

 

Morikawa describes the sensation as feeling like his sternum moves back with his hands and then stretches upwards. This movement ensures that the wrists do not become too active and cause the club to be snatched away prematurely. By focusing on this upward stretch of the sternum, golfers can maintain better control over their swing and avoid common pitfalls associated with an inefficient backswing.

 

### Benefits of the Sternum Stretch

 

The primary advantage of focusing on the sternum’s upward movement is that it promotes a more complete and effective rotation of the torso. This approach helps to create a more powerful stretch and turn, which is crucial for generating distance and accuracy in shots. Additionally, it encourages a more natural and balanced swing, reducing the likelihood of making compensatory adjustments that can negatively impact performance.

 

By stretching the sternum towards the sky, golfers can also increase their range of motion in the thoracic region of the spine. This improvement in flexibility allows for a more fluid and controlled backswing, ultimately leading to a more consistent and powerful swing overall.

 

### Putting It into Practice

 

Incorporating Morikawa’s tip into your practice routine can be a straightforward process. Begin by focusing on the sensation of stretching your sternum upwards during your backswing. It may be helpful to practice this movement in front of a mirror to ensure you are achieving the correct feeling. As you become more comfortable with the technique, integrate it into your full swing practice to develop muscle memory and consistency.

 

By paying attention to this critical aspect of the backswing, you can address the issue of a fake backswing turn and improve your overall swing mechanics. The result will be a more powerful and accurate golf swing, leading to better performance on the course.

 

For those interested in exploring more swing tips and techniques, Golf Digest offers a comprehensive Swing Thought Finder tool, which provides a wealth of information and advice to help golfers refine their skills and improve their game.

 

In conclusion, applying Collin Morikawa’s advice on focusing on the sternum’s movement can make a significant difference in addressing common swing issues. By enhancing your backswing mechanics and promoting a more effective turn, you can elevate your game and achieve better results on the golf course.